COVINGTON, Ky. (WCPO) — People in a Northern Kentucky city are working together to create a new memorial for Vietnam veterans.
A church has already donated land for a new memorial, and now one veteran is working to raise the money to get the project started.
Chuck Willis, of the American Legion Post 203, tells WCPO that he remembers what it was like when he came home from serving in Vietnam.
"I don't think that we gave the honor and respect to the people that gave their lives," said Willis. "We came back and there was a lot of people who got name called and a lot of bad things happened to them. A lot of people changed clothes as soon as they got back."
Willis and Post 203 wants to replace the current Covington Vietnam Memorial. According to Willis, the current memorial, which is at a park, has some of the names listed incorrectly and you cannot park there to visit the plaqye unless there is a baseball game going on.
"It needs to be more accessible to all the veterans and their family and friends of these 31 Covington residents that gave all," said Willis.
American Legion Post 203 and VFW Post 6095 are trying to raise money to pay for the estimated $140,000 project. They want to build a larger memorial, and they already have plans for what it will look like.
"It will give the families and their friends and the other veterans a place to reflect and give thanks for their service," said Willis.
Veteran Chuck Willis said that they could break ground in the next few months. If you would like to help them reach their fundraising goals, click here.
